If you have vehicles on the road that are owned by your business, you’ll no doubt have heard a little something about fleet risk management.
You might know, for example, that fleet risk management is a legal obligation you have in relation to your duty of care to ensure that any and all staff making use of fleet vehicles are fully qualified and trained to do so safely and efficiently. You might even know that failure to do so will result in you being liable for any accidents yourself, as well as any legal ramifications which may arise from failure to comply.
All of that is relatively common knowledge, especially if you operate your own business, but what actually goes into fleet risk management is largely misunderstood. In this guide, we’re going to explain a key element: fleet driver training.
What is Fleet Driver Training?
Quite simply, fleet driver training is a little like going back to your driving lessons – albeit at a more advanced level. No, you won’t be forced to prove you can parallel park, but your staff will be introduced to a variety of new techniques which will ensure their safety and the security of your vehicles out on the road.
Examples of this include how to reduce the risk of tailgating, how to create space at busy roundabouts, how to maintain concentration on long journeys and more. Not only do these techniques reduce the risk of accidents on the road, but the advanced fuel management tips can help you reduce the ongoing fuel costs of your fleet.
What Types of Vehicles are Staff Trained On?
The fleet driver training that you get will be determined by the vehicles that your staff utilise. Far from limited to just cars and vans, fleet vehicle training is required for trucks, buses, coaches, 4x4s, scooters, mopeds, motorbikes and taxis. Do note, however, that some of these vehicles may require specialist training, like JAUPT-accredited Driver CPC courses for truck, bus and coach drivers to support their periodic training requirements.
How is Driver Training Delivered?
Lots of businesses have staff which spend much of their time on the road, making training hard to deliver. However, fleet driver training doesn’t have to be delivered on a hands-on basis. Many fleet driver training providers now have provision to teach online, as well as in person and in group sessions.
As such, there’s little excuse not to ensure you’re meeting your legal obligations.